Broadband telecommunications system interface

ABSTRACT

The invention is a system for interfacing an ISDN or non-ISDN system with a broadband system. The broadband system can be an ATM system. The invention can process the ISDN signaling to select ATM connections and then interwork the ISDN connections with the selected ATM connections. The invention can interwork ISDN signaling and SS7 signaling. The invention can also process SS7 signaling to select ISDN connections and then interwork ATM connections with the selected ISDN connections. The invention can also interwork ISDN systems with non-ISDN systems.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/525,050 nowprior U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,301, filed on Sep. 8, 1995, entitled“BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM,” and which is a continuation ofprior abandoned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/238,605, filed onMay 5, 1994, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FORTELECOMMUNICATIONS CONTROL,” which is hereby incorporated by referenceinto this application.

FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to telecommunications, and in particular, tosystems that provide access to broadband systems from IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN) systems or systems that can be convertedinto the ISDN format.

2. Background of the Prior Art

FIG. 1 depicts a common prior art arrangement for localtelecommunications access. Shown are Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)that are connected to a local switch. Typically, there is more CPEconnected to each local switch, but the number depicted has beenrestricted for purposes of clarity. A standard connection between CPEand the local switch is the well known Time Division Multiplexed (TDM)connection using the Extended Superframe (ESF) format. The TDM/ESFconnection allows multiple devices at the customer site to access thelocal switch and obtain telecommunications services.

TDM employs time division multiplexing to combine multiplecommunications paths into a single digital signal. ESF employs robbedbit signaling. In robbed-bit signaling, particular bits of userinformation in the bearer channels are replaced by signalinginformation. Thus, these signaling bits are “robbed” from the userbearer channels. In ESF, the robbed bits are known as the ABCD bits.Since the ABCD bits are integrated into the bearer channels, ABCDrobbed-bit signaling is an “in-band” signaling system. Examples ofinformation carried by the ABCD bits are off-hook and on-hookconditions. ESF and ABCD robbed-bit signaling are well known in the art.

The ISDN format is also well known. ISDN provides a user with a digitalconnection to the local switch that has more bandwidth and control thana conventional local loop. ISDN has bearer channels (B) and a signalingchannel (D) that are typically combined at the primary rate (23B+D) orat the basic rate (2B+D). Because ISDN has a separate signaling channel(the D channel), it has an out-of-band signaling system.

At present, broadband systems are being developed and implemented.Broadband systems provide telecommunications service providers with manybenefits, including higher capacities, more efficient use of bandwidth,and the ability to integrate voice, data, and video traffic. Thesebroadband systems provide callers with increased capabilities at lowercosts. However, CPE using the TDM, ISDN or similar formats cannotdirectly access these broadband systems. These systems need aninterworking interface to the sophisticated broadband systems.Telecommunications service providers also need such an interface inorder to use their broadband systems to provide services to CPE that useISDN format or a format that can be converted into ISDN.

SUMMARY

The invention includes a telecommunications system for use between anAsynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system and an ISDN system fortelecommunications calls. The telecommunications system comprises asignaling processing system and an ATM multiplexer. The signalingprocessing system is operational to process call signaling from the ISDNsystem and from the ATM system. It selects at least one of an ISDNconnection and an ATM connection for each call and provides controlmessages that identify the selected connections. The ATM multiplexer isoperational to exchange the call signaling between the ISDN system andthe signaling processing system. It also receives the control messagesfrom the signaling processing system and interworks call communicationsbetween the ISDN system and the ATM system on the selected connectionsbased on the control messages.

In some embodiments, the invention is also operational to interwork theISDN signaling and Signaling System #7 (SS7) signaling. In someembodiments, the invention is also operational to interwork betweencommunications and signaling from another system and ISDN bearercommunications and ISDN signaling. In some embodiments, the invention isalso operational to exchange Signaling System #7 (SS7) signaling withthe ATM system. In some embodiments, the invention includes an ATMcross-connect, a signaling processor that is operational to processsignaling to select connections, a signaling converter that isoperational to interwork ISDN signaling and SS7 signaling, and/or anISDN converter that is operational to interwork between communicationsand signaling from the other communications system and ISDN bearercommunications and ISDN.

The invention could be a method for operating a telecommunicationssystem that interworks between an ISDN system and an AsyncronousTransfer Mode (ATM) system for telecommunications calls. The methodcomprises receiving ISDN signaling and ISDN bearer communications intothe telecommunications system and converting the ISDN signaling intoSignaling System #7 (SS7) signaling. The method includes processing theSS7 signaling to select ATM connections, and interworking the ISDNbearer communications with the selected ATM connections. In someembodiments, the method includes receiving SS7 signaling and ATMcommunications into the telecommunications system, processing the SS7signaling to select ISDN connections, and interworking the ATMcommunications with the selected ISDN connections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a version of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a message sequence chart for a version of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a message sequence chart for a version of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a message sequence chart for a version of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a message sequence chart for a version of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a version of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a version of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a version of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a version of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a version of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of for a version of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a logic diagram of a version of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a logic diagram of a version of the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts an example of the trunk circuit table.

FIG. 18 depicts an example of the trunk group table.

FIG. 19 depicts an example of the exception table.

FIG. 20 depicts an example of the ANI table.

FIG. 22 depicts an example of the called number table.

FIG. 22 depicts an example of the routing table.

FIG. 23 depicts an example of the treatment table.

FIG. 24 depicts an example of the message table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts the prior art arrangement discussed above for providingaccess to a telecommunications system. In this arrangement, CustomerPremises Equipment (CPE) is typically connected over digital connectionsto the local switch. The digital signal is a Time Division Multiplexed(TDM) signal that is based on the Extended Superframe (ESF) format. Thelocal switch accepts the TDM/ESF signal and provides the CPE withtelecommunications service. All of these components and connections arewell known in the art.

FIG. 2 depicts a version of the invention. CPE 210 and 212 are shownconnected to broadband system interface 200 over connections 220 and 222respectively. CPE 210 and 212 provide services to many communicationsdevices at the customer premises. Examples of these devices wouldinclude computers, modems, and facsimile machines. Connections 220 and222 are ISDN connections or are connections based on any format that canbe converted to ISDN. A common example would be TDM connections usingthe ESF format. Note that broadband system interface 200 replaces thelocal switch of FIG. 1.

Also shown are connection 230 and signaling link 232. Connection 230 isa broadband connection, for example a Synchronous Optical Network(SONET) connection carrying Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells.Other broadband connections are also known and equally applicable.Signaling link 232 carries telecommunications signaling such asSignaling System #7 (SS7) messages. Connection 230 and link 232 areconnected to a broadband network cloud that represents any number ofnetwork elements such as switches, enhanced platforms, and servers toname some examples.

The operation of broadband system 200 includes the conversion of bearercommunications and signaling from one format into another. Bearercommunications are the user information, for example, voice traffic.Signaling is information used by the network, for example, a callednumber. In some embodiments the conversion process is described with theterm “interworking”. This term is well known to those in the art. Forexample, ISDN signaling is interworked with SS7 signaling by convertingISDN signaling into analogous SS7 signaling and by converting SS7signaling into analogous ISDN signaling. ISDN bearer communications areinterworked with ATM communications by converting ISDN bearercommunications into analogous ATM communications and by converting ATMcommunications into analogous ISDN bearer communications.

Broadband system interface 200 accepts calls from connections 220 and222. If the calls are not in the ISDN format, they are converted toISDN. The ISDN D channel signaling is then converted into SS7 signaling.The ISDN bearer communications are converted into broadbandcommunications. Broadband system interface 200 processes the callsignaling and routes the calls. Broadband system interface 200 may routecalls to the other CPE connected broadband system interface 200. Inaddition, broadband interface system 200 may route calls over broadbandconnection 230 and associated signaling over link 232. Connection 230and link 232 could connect callers to many other networks and networkelements that provide numerous services.

It can be seen that broadband system interface 200 provides CPE withaccess to a broadband system. In can also be seen that broadband system200 is capable of accepting calls in the standard formats currentlyaccepted by local switches.

FIG. 3 depicts a version of the invention—although those skilled in theart will appreciate other variations from this version that are alsocontemplated by the invention. Shown are CPE 310 and 312 and broadbandsystem interface 300. Broadband system interface 300 is comprised ofISDN converter 340, ATM interworking multiplexer (mux) 350, signalingprocessor 360, and SS7 converter 362. CPE 310 is connected to ISDNconverter 340 by connection 320. CPE 312 is connected to ISDN converter340 by connection 322. Mux 350, signaling processor 360, and SS7converter 362 are linked by link 352. Mux 350 and SS7 converter 362 arelinked by link 354. Signaling processor 360 and SS7 converter 362 arelinked by link 364. Mux 350 is also connected to connection 330 andsignaling processor 360 is also linked to link 332.

CPE 310 and 312 could be any equipment that supplies traffic that can beconverted into ISDN. A common example would be a PBX system providing aTDM/ESF traffic. Typically, CPE 310 and 312 would interface withcommunications devices at the customer premises and provide access tothe network. CPE 310 and 312 are connected to ISDN converter 340 byconnections 320 and 322. Connections 320 and 322 are any connectionscapable of carrying these communications. For example, they could beTDM/ESF connections that carry a multiplexed digital signal comprised ofmultiple bearer channels that carry caller communications. Embeddedwithin the caller communications are signaling bits, known as ABCD bits.

Connections 342 and 344 represent an ISDN connection with connection 342representing the bearer communications (B channels) and link 344representing the signaling (D channel). Link 352 could be any linkcapable of transporting control messages. Examples of such a link couldbe SS7 links, UDP/IP or TCP/IP over ethernet, or a bus arrangement usinga conventional bus protocol. Link 354 is any link that can carry an ISDND channel. An example would be a T1 with the component DSOs carrying theISDN D channels. Links 332 and 364 are any links capable of carrying SS7messages. SS7 links are well known. Connection 330 is an ATM connection.

ISDN converter 340 is operational to interwork between non-ISDN formatsand ISDN. For example, if a TDM/ESF signal is received over connection320, ISDN converter 340 would use the ABCD signaling bits from the ESFsignal to create the analogous ISDN signaling messages for the ISDND-channel on connection 344. The bearer channels from connection 320would be interworked into the B-channels of the ISDN signal onconnection 342. The B-channels and the D-channel are provided to mux 350over connection 342 and link 344 respectively. Connection 342 and link344 are logically separated, but may traverse the same physical path.Devices with the base functionality of ISDN converter 340 are known inthe art with an example being an ISDN interface provided by the Teleoscompany. One skilled in the art will appreciate how this functionalitycan be adapted to support the invention.

Mux 350 is operational to receive an ISDN signal over connection 342 andlink 344. The B channels from connection 342 and the D channel from link344 are in the well known DS0 format. Mux 350 is able to connect eachDS0 to other DS0s. Mux 350 connects the DS0 from link 344 to the DS0 oflink 354 to provide an ISDN D channel from ISDN converter 340 to SS7converter 362. Mux 350 can also connect DS0s that carry bearercommunications. For example, a DS0 from CPE 310 could be connected to aDS0 for CPE 312. Mux 350 makes the latter DS0 to DS0 connection inresponse to control instructions from signaling processor 360 that arereceived over link 352.

Mux 350 is also operational to convert DS0s into ATM cells with selectedVirtual Path Identifiers/Virtual Channel Identifiers (VPI/VCIs). Thisconversion is known as ATM interworking. The ATM cells are transmittedover connection 330. Typically, they are provided to an ATMcross-connect device that routes the cells according to their VPI/VCI.Since DS0s are bi-directional, a companion VPI/VCI will typically bepre-assigned to the selected VPI/VCI to provide a call connection backto the caller. Mux 350 would convert ATM cells from this companionVPI/VCI into the return path of the DS0. Mux 350 makes the DS0/ATMconversions in response to control instructions from signaling processor360 that are received over link 352. A detailed decryption of the mux isgiven below.

Signaling processor 360 and SS7 converter 362 form a signalingprocessing system that is operational to receive and process ISDNsignaling to select call connections. It will be appreciated how thesecomponents can be integrated or remain discreet.

SS7 converter 362 interworks between ISDN signaling and Signaling System#7 (SS7) signaling. SS7 converter 362 exchanges D channel signaling withISDN converter 340 over links 344 and 354 (through mux 340). SS7converter 362 exchanges SS7 signaling with signaling processor 360 overlink 364. SS7 converter also communicates with mux 350 over link 352. Anexample of such a communication would be an instruction to provide aringback tone to the origination side of the call. Devices with the basefunctionality of SS7 converter 362 are known in the art. One skilled inthe art will appreciate how this functionality can be adapted to supportthe invention

Signaling processor 360 is operational to process signaling. Thesignaling processor will typically process an SS7 Initial AddressMessage (IAM) for call set-up. The IAM information is processed bysignaling processor 360 in order to select a particular connection for aparticular call. This connection might be a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. Signalingprocessor 360 sends control instructions over link 352 to mux 350identifying the selected connections. The signaling processor exchangesSS7 signaling over links 364 and 332. A detailed description of thesignaling processor follows below.

FIG. 4 depicts the operation of the invention in the form of a messagesequence chart. FIG. 4 depicts a call being placed from CPE to an entityacross the country. The sequence starts with the CPE seizing aconnection to the ISDN converter. The ISDN converter senses the seizureand returns dial tone. The CPE then forwards DTMF tones indicating adialed number to the ISDN converter. The ISDN converter uses the DTMFinput to generate an ISDN set-up message which it sends to the SS7converter through the mux. (As the mux transfers all messages betweenthe ISDN converter and the SS7 converter, express reference to thistransfer will be omitted in the following discussions). The SS7converter converts the ISDN set-up message into an analogous SS7 IAM andsends the SS7 IAM to the signaling processor.

The signaling processor processes the IAM and selects a connection. Fora cross-country call, this connection would typically be a VPI/VCIprovisioned to a long distance network. The signaling processor willgenerate an SS7 IAM and send it on to the relevant network element toextend the call. The SS7 converter sends an ISDN call proceeding messageback to the ISDN converter. The signaling processor will generate acontrol instruction identifying the DS0 and the selected VPI/VCI andsend it to the mux. Once the far end has received all informationrequired for the call, it will return an SS7 Address Complete Message(ACM) to the signaling processor. The signaling processor will send anSS7 ANM to the SS7 converter, which will send an analogous ISDN alertingmessage to the ISDN converter.

If the called party answers, the signaling processor will receive an SS7Answer Message (ANM) from the far end. The signaling processor will sendan SS7 ANM message to the SS7 converter, and the SS7 converter will sendan analogous ISDN connect message to the ISDN converter. At this point,the call is connected and a conversation, fax transmission, etc., maytake place. The ISDN converter converts the bearer channel from the CPEinto an ISDN DS0, and the mux converts this DS0 into ATM cells with theselected VPI/VCI. Additionally, the mux converts ATM cells from thecompanion VPI/VCI into the return path of the DS0.

As a result, the caller has access to an ATM system. This isaccomplished by converting the traffic from the CPE into the ISDNformat. The ISDN D channel signaling is converted into SS7 and the ISDNB channels are converted into ATM. Advantageously, the ATM virtualconnection is selected on a call-by-call basis by the signalingprocessor. This allows the signaling processor to select a virtualconnection that has been pre-provisioned to an appropriate destination.

FIG. 5 depicts a call from an entity across the country to the CPE. Thesequence begins with an SS7 IAM from origination side of the call beingreceived by the signaling processor. The signaling processor processesthe IAM and selects the destination DS0. The signaling processor sendsan IAM to the SS7 converter which forwards an analogous ISDN set-upmessage to the ISDN converter. The IAM and set-up message identifies theselected DS0 to use on the call. The ISDN converter provides seizure tothe telephone. The signaling processor also sends a control instructionto the mux indicating the VPI/VCI and selected DS0.

The ISDN converter will send an ISDN alerting message to the SS7converter and the SS7 converter will send an analogous SS7 AddressComplete Message (ACM) to the signaling processor. The signalingprocessor will send an SS7 ACM to the origination side of the call. TheSS7 converter will send a control instruction to the mux to provide aringback tone to the originating side of the call in order to indicateto the caller that the called party is being alerted. (This might be abusy signal where appropriate). The mux will provide ringback to theother side of the call.

When the ISDN converter senses that the telephone has been answered, itwill send an ISDN connect message to the SS7 converter, and the SS7converter will provide an analogous SS7 ANM to the signaling processor.The signaling processor will send an SS7 ANM to the originating side ofthe call. The signaling processor will instruct the mux to stop theringback tone and provide cut-through on the call. At this point, thecall is connected.

FIG. 6 depicts a call being cleared when the CPE of FIGS. 4 and 5disconnects because the connected communications device hangs-up. TheISDN converter senses the on-hook and sends an ISDN disconnect messageto the SS7 converter. The SS7 converter sends an analogous SS7 release(REL) message to the signaling processor. The signaling processorinitiates release procedures and sends an SS7 REL to the other side ofthe call connection. In addition, the signaling processor sends aninstruction to the mux to disconnect the DS0 and the VPI/VCI. Thesignaling processor will then send an SS7 Release Complete Message RLCto the SS7 converter. The SS7/ISDN converter will then send an ISDNrelease message to the ISDN converter which will provide a loop-open tothe CPE. The far side will typically respond with a SS7 RLC to thesignaling processor. At this point, the call is disconnected

FIG. 7 depicts a call being cleared when the far end of the callhangs-up. The far end will send an SS7 REL to the signaling processor,and the signaling processor will initiate release procedures for thecall. The signaling processor will send an SS7 REL to the SS7 converter,and the SS7 converter sends an analogous ISDN disconnect message to theISDN converter. The ISDN converter provides an on-hook for the DS0 tothe CPE. The signaling processor sends an control instruction to the muxto disconnect the DS0 from the VPL/VCI. The signaling processor alsosends an SS7 RLC to the other side of the call. The ISDN converter willprovide an ISDN release message to the SS7 converter. The SS7 converterwill provide an analogous SS7 RLC to the signaling processor indicatingthat the connection has been cleared for re-use. At this point, the callis disconnected.

In FIGS. 4-7, the ISDN converter interfaces with the CPE to provide callcapability. The ISDN converter also provides ISDN connections andsignaling to the mux. The mux exchanges ISDN signaling between the ISDNconverter and the SS7 converter. The mux also interfaces between theISDN component DS0s and ATM. The SS7 converter converts the signalingbetween the ISDN and the SS7 format and exchanges SS7 messages with thesignaling processor. The signaling processor processes the SS7 signalingand responds to the SS7 converter with SS7 messages. The signalingprocessor also issues commands to the mux to facilitate the call.Typically this is an assignment of a DS0 to a VPI/VCI. The signalingprocessor also provides SS7 messages to the network at large. The muxhandles DS0 to ATM conversions in response to signaling processorcommends.

As a result the CPE is provided with an interface to a broadband system.The network is able to provide this interface and provide a selected ATMconnection on a call-by-call basis—all without the need for an ATMswitch. Such a system provides a distinct advantage over prior systems.The invention is applicable to any CPE protocols that can be convertedinto ISDN. In some embodiments, the CPE themselves may even provide ISDNtraffic.

FIGS. 8-12 depict various alternative arrangements of the invention, butthe invention is not limited to these alternatives. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how the variations of FIGS. 8-12 could be combinedin many different arrangements that are all contemplated by theinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts broadband system interface 800 that is comprised of mux850, links 852 and 854, and signaling processor 860. Also shown are link832 and connections 820, 822, and 830. These components are configuredand operate as described above for the corresponding reference numbersof FIG. 3, except that the ISDN converter has been incorporated into mux850 and the SS7 converter has been incorporated into signaling processor860.

FIG. 9 depicts broadband system interface 900 that is comprised of mux950, links 952 and 954, and signaling processor 960. Also shown are link932 and connections 920, 922, and 930. These components are configuredand operate as described above for the corresponding reference numbersof FIG. 3, except that both the ISDN converter and the SS7 converterhave been incorporated into mux 950.

FIG. 10 depicts broadband system interface 1000 that is comprised of mux1050, links 1052, 1054 and 1064, signaling processor 1060, and SS7converter 362. Also shown are link 1032 and connection 1030. Thesecomponents are configured and operate as described above for FIG. 3,except the ISDN converters have been moved outside of system 1000. Forexample, they could be located at the customer premises. ISDN converter1014 is connected to CPE 1010 and ISDN converter 1016 is connected toCPE 1012 by ESF connections. Connections 1020 and 1022 carry the Bchannels and links 1021 and 1023 carry the D channels. Mux 1050interfaces with ISDN converters 1014 and 1016 over these connections. Inthis way, the invention provides ISDN systems with an interface to abroadband system. As required by the invention, the ISDN signaling isconverted into SS7 before it is processed by the signaling processor.

FIG. 11 depicts broadband system interface 1100 that is comprised of mux1150, links 1152, 1154, and 1164, signaling processor 1160, and SS7converter 1162. Also shown are connection 1130 and link 1132. Thesecomponents are configured and operate as described above for thecorresponding reference numbers of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, CPE 1110and 1112 are capable of providing ISDN traffic so that the ISDNconverter and conversion processes can be omitted. Connections 1120 and1122 carry the B channels and links 1121 and 1123 carry the D channels.Mux 1150 interfaces directly with ISDN CPE 1110 and 1112. In this way,the invention provides ISDN systems with an interface to a broadbandsystem. As required by the invention, the ISDN signaling is convertedinto SS7 before it is processed by the signaling processor.

FIG. 12 depicts broadband system interface 1200 that is comprised of mux1250, links 1244, 1252, 1254, and 1264, signaling processor 1260, andSS7 converter 1262. Also shown are link 1232 and connections 1220, 1222,1242, and 1230. These components are configured and operate as describedabove for the corresponding reference numbers of FIG. 3, except that ATMcross-connect 1280 and connection 1282 have been added. ATMcross-connect 1280 is a conventional ATM cross-connect, such as an NECmodel 20. ATM cross-connect 1280 provides a plurality of pre-provisionedVPI/VCI connections for mux 1250 over ATM connection 1282. TheseVPI/VCIs could be pre-provisioned through ATM cross-connect 1280 to aplurality of destinations. Example include switches, servers, enhancedplatforms, customer premises equipment, and other muxes. The addition ofcross-connect 1280 demonstrates how the selection of VPI/VCIs by thesignaling processor on a call-by-call basis allows broadband systeminterface 1200 to route calls to selected destinations overpre-provisioned broadband connections.

This call-by-call selection and use of virtual connections isaccomplished without the need for an ATM switch or call-by-call controlover the cross-connect. This provides a distinct advantage over currentATM switch based systems in terms of cost and control. ATM switches aretypically very expensive and control over the switch is relegated to theswitch supplier. In the invention, the signaling processor exerts thecontrol, and the signaling processor does not need to be obtained froman ATM switch supplier.

The ATM Interworking Multiplexer

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of the mux that is suitable for the presentinvention, but other muxes that support the requirements of theinvention are also applicable. Shown are control interface 1350, DS0interface 1355, digital signal processor 1356, ATM adaption layer (AAL)1357, and SONET interface 1358. SONET interface 1358 accepts ATM cellsfrom AAL 1340 and transmits them over connection 1330. Connection 1330is a SONET connection, such as an OC-3 connection. Control interface1350 exchanges control messages between the signaling processor, thesignaling converter, and the elements of the mux over link 1352.

DS0 interface 1355 accepts an ISDN signal over link 1342 and connection1344. DS0 interface 1355 connects the incoming D channel DS0 from link1342 to the D channel DS0 of link 1354 to the SS7 converter. DS0interface 1355 receives the B channel DS0s and handles them in accordwith signaling processor instructions received through control interface1350. This would include interconnecting particular DS0s to other DS0son particular calls. It would also include connecting particular DS0s toparticular functions of digital signal processor 1356. It would alsoinclude bypassing digital signal processor 1356 and directly couplingDS0s to AAL 1357.

Digital signal processor 1356 is operational to apply various digitalprocesses to particular DS0s in response to control instructionsreceived through control interface 1354. Examples of digital processinginclude: tone detection, tone transmission, loopbacks, voice detection,voice messaging, echo cancellation, compression, and encryption. Forexample, the signaling processor may instruct the mux to provide aringback tone, and then to apply echo cancellation.

Digital signal processor 1356 is connected to AAL 1357. AAL 1357comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentation and reassembly(SAR) layer. AAL 1357 is operational to accept calls in DS0 format andconvert the DS0 information into ATM cells. AALs are known in the artand information about AALs is provided by InternationalTelecommunications Union (ITU) document I.363. An AAL for voice is alsodescribed in patent application Ser. No. 08/395,745, filed on Feb. 28,1995, entitled “Cell Processing for Voice Transmission”, and herebyincorporated by reference into this application. AAL 1357 obtains thevirtual path identifier (VPI) and virtual channel identifier (VCI) foreach call from control interface 1350. AAL 1357 also obtains theidentity of the DS0 for each call (or the DS0s for an N×64 call).Control interface 1350 receives these instructions from the signalingprocessor. AAL 1357 then converts user information between theidentified DS0 and the identified ATM virtual connection.Acknowledgments that the assignments have been implemented may be sentback to the signaling processor if desired. Calls with a bit rate thatare a multiple of 64 kbit/second are known as N×64 calls. If desired,AAL 1357 can be capable of accepting control messages through controlinterface 1350 for N×64 calls. The signaling processor would instructAAL 1357 to group the DS0s for the call.

As discussed above, the mux also handles calls in the oppositedirection—from SONET interface 1358 to DS0 interface 1355. For thistraffic, the VPI/VCI has already been selected and the traffic routedthrough the cross-connect. As a result, AAL 1357 needs only to identifythe DS0 for that particular VPI/VCI. The signaling processor couldprovide this assignment through control interface 1350 to AAL 1357. Atechnique for processing VPI/VCIs is disclosed in patent applicationSer. No. 08/653,852, filed on May 28, 1996, entitled “TelecommunicationsSystem with a Connection Processing System”, and hereby incorporated byreference into this application.

DS0 connections are bi-directional and ATM connections are typicallyuni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposingdirections will typically be required for each DS0. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how this can be accomplished in the context of theinvention. For example, the broadband system could be provisioned with asecond set of VPI/VCIs in the opposite direction as the original set ofVPI/VCIs. On each call, the mux would be configured to automaticallyinvoke this second VPI/VCI to provide a bi-directional virtualconnection to match the bi-directional DS0 on the call.

In some embodiments, digital signal processor 1356 could be omitted fromthe mux. In these embodiments, the mux could not collect digits orcontrol echo. DS0 interface 1355 would connect DS0s directly to AAL1357.

In some embodiments, the B channel DS0 to DS0 connection capabilitycould be omitted. The D channel DS0s would still be connected, but if aB channel DS0 needed connected to another B channel DS0, the signalingprocessor would need to select a VPI/VCI that is pre-provisioned througha cross-connect and back to this same mux. The mux would then convertthe returning cells to the other DS0.

As a result the CPE is provided with an interface to a broadband system.The network is able to provide this interface and provide a selected ATMconnection on a call-by-call basis—all without the need for an ATMswitch. Such a system provides a distinct advantage over prior systems.Although, the invention has been described in terms of ESF, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is applicable toother protocols that can be converted into ISDN. The CPE themselves mayeven provide ISDN traffic. The invention requires that signaling beconverted from ISDN into SS7 before it is processed by the signalingprocessor.

The Signaling Processor

The signaling processor is referred to as a call/connection manager(CCM), and it receives and processes telecommunications call signalingand control messages to select connections that establish communicationpaths for calls. In the preferred embodiment, the CCM processes SS7signaling to select connections for a call. CCM processing is describedin a U.S. Patent Application having attorney docket number 1148, whichis entitled “Telecommunication System,” which is assigned to the sameassignee as this patent application, and which is incorporated herein byreference.

In addition to selecting connections, the CCM performs many otherfunctions in the context of call processing. It not only can controlrouting and select the actual connections, but it can also validatecallers, control echo cancelers, generate billing information, invokeintelligent network functions, access remote databases, manage traffic,and balance network loads. One skilled in the art will appreciate howthe CCM described below can be adapted to operate in the aboveembodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a version of the CCM. Other versions are alsocontemplated. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, CCM 400 controls an ATMinterworking multiplexer (mux) that performs interworking of DS0s andVPI/VCIs. However, the CCM may control other communications devices andconnections in other embodiments.

CCM 1400 comprises signaling platform 1410, control platform 1420, andapplication platform 1430. Each of the platforms 1410, 1420, and 1430 iscoupled to the other platforms.

Signaling platform 1410 is externally coupled to the SS7 systems—inparticular to systems having a message transfer part (MTP), an ISDN userpart (ISUP), a signaling connection control part (SCCP), an intelligentnetwork application part (INAP), and a transaction capabilitiesapplication part (TCAP). Control platform 1420 is externally coupled toa mux control, an echo control, a resource control, billing, andoperations.

Signaling platform 1410 comprises MTP levels 1-3, ISUP, TCAP, SCCP, andINAP functionality and is operational to transmit and receive the SS7messages. The ISUP, SCCP, INAP, and TCAP functionality use MTP totransmit and receive the SS7 messages. Together, this functionality isreferred as an “SS7 stack,” and it is well known. The software requiredby one skilled in the art to configure an SS7 stack is commerciallyavailable, for example, from the Trillium company.

Control platform 1420 is comprised of various external interfacesincluding a mux interface, an echo interface, a resource controlinterface, a billing interface, and an operations interface. The muxinterface exchanges messages with at least one mux. These messagescomprise DS0 to VPI/VCI assignments, acknowledgments, and statusinformation. The echo control interface exchanges messages with echocontrol systems. Messages exchanged with echo control systems mightinclude instructions to enable or disable echo cancellation orparticular DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information.

The resource control interface exchanges messages with externalresources. Examples of such resources are devices that implementcontinuity testing, encryption, compression, tonedetection/transmission, voice detection, and voice messaging. Themessages exchanged with resources are instructions to apply the resourceto particular DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information. Forexample, a message may instruct a continuity testing resource to providea loopback or to send and detect a tone for a continuity test.

The billing interface transfers pertinent billing information to abilling system. Typical billing information includes the parties to thecall, time points for the call, and any special features applied to thecall. The operations interface allows for the configuration and controlof CCM 1400. One skilled in the art will appreciate how to produce thesoftware for the interfaces in control platform 1420.

Application platform 1430 is functional to process signaling informationfrom signaling platform 1410 in order to select connections. Theidentity of the selected connections are provided to control platform1420 for the mux interface. Application platform 1430 is responsible forvalidation, translation, routing, call control, exceptions, screening,and error handling. In addition to providing the control requirementsfor the mux, application platform 1430 also provides requirements forecho control and resource control to the appropriate interface ofcontrol platform 1420. In addition, application platform 1430 generatessignaling information for transmission by signaling platform 1410. Thesignaling information might be ISUP, NAP, or TCAP messages to externalnetwork elements. Pertinent information for each call is stored in acall control block (CCB) for the call. The CCB can be used for trackingand billing the call.

Application platform 1430 operates in general accord with the Basic CallModel (BCM) defined by the ITU. An instance of the BCM is created tohandle each call. The BCM includes an originating process and aterminating process. Application platform 1430 includes a serviceswitching function (SSF) that is used to invoke the service controlfunction (SCF). Typically, the SCF is contained in a service controlpoint (SCP). The SCF is queried with TCAP or INAP messages. Theoriginating or terminating processes will access remote databases withintelligent network (IN) functionality via the SSF function.

Software requirements for application platform 1430 can be produced inspecification and description language (SDL) defined in ITU-T Z.100. TheSDL can be converted into C code. Additional C and C++ code can be addedas required to establish the environment.

CCM 1400 can be comprised of the above-described software loaded onto acomputer. The computer can be an Integrated Micro Products (IMP)FT-Sparc 600 using the Solaris operating system and conventionaldatabase systems. It may be desirable to utilize the multi-threadingcapability of a Unix operating system.

From FIG. 14, it can be seen that application platform 1430 processessignaling information to control numerous systems and facilitate callconnections and services. The SS7 signaling is exchanged with externalcomponents through signaling platform 1410, and control information isexchanged with external systems through control platform 1420.Advantageously, CCM 1400 is not integrated into a switch CPU that iscoupled to a switching matrix. Unlike an SCP, CCM 1400 is capable ofprocessing ISUP messages independently of TCAP queries.

SS7 Message Designations

SS7 messages are well known. Designations for various SS7 messagescommonly are used. Those skilled in the art are familiar with thefollowing message designations:

ACM—Address Complete Message

ANM—Answer Message

BLO—Blocking

BLA—Blocking Acknowledgment

CPG—Call Progress

CRG—Charge Information

CGB—Circuit Group Blocking

CGBA—Circuit Group Blocking Acknowledgment

GRS—Circuit Group Reset

GRA—Circuit Group Reset Acknowledgment

CGU—Circuit Group Unblocking

CGUA—Circuit Group Unblocking Acknowledgment

CQM—Circuit Group Query

CQR—Circuit Group Query Response

CRM—Circuit Reservation Message

CRA—Circuit Reservation Acknowledgment

CVT—Circuit Validation Test

CVR—Circuit Validation Response

CFN—Confusion

COT—Continuity

CCR—Continuity Check Request

EXM—Exit Message

INF—Information

INR—Information Request

IAM—Initial Address

LPA—Loop Back Acknowledgment

PAM—Pass Along

REL—Release

RLC—Release Complete

RSC—Reset Circuit

RES—Resume

SUS—Suspend

UBL—Unblocking

UBA—Unblocking Acknowledgment

UCIC—Unequipped Circuit Identification Code.

CCM Tables

Call processing typically entails two aspects. First, an incoming or“originating” connection is recognized by an originating call process.For example, the initial connection that a call uses to enter a networkis the originating connection in that network. Second, an outgoing or“terminating” connection is selected by a terminating call process. Forexample, the terminating connection is coupled to the originatingconnection in order to extend the call through the network. These twoaspects of call processing are referred to as the originating side ofthe call and the terminating side of the call.

FIG. 15 depicts a data structure used by application platform 1430 toexecute the BCM. This is accomplished through a series of tables thatpoint to one another in various ways. The pointers are typicallycomprised of next function and next index designations. The nextfunction points to the next table, and the next index points to an entryor a range of entries in that table. The data structure has trunkcircuit table 1500, trunk group table 1502, exception table 1504, ANItable 1506, called number table 1508, and routing table 1510.

Trunk circuit table 1500 contains information related to theconnections. Typically, the connections are DS0 or ATM connections.Initially, trunk circuit table 1500 is used to retrieve informationabout the originating connection. Later, the table is used to retrieveinformation about the terminating connection. When the originatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group number in trunk circuittable 1500 points to the applicable trunk group for the originatingconnection in trunk group table 1502.

Trunk group table 1502 contains information related to the originatingand terminating trunk groups. When the originating connection is beingprocessed, trunk group table 1502 provides information relevant to thetrunk group for the originating connection and typically points toexception table 1504.

Exception table 1504 is used to identify various exception conditionsrelated to the call that may influence the routing or other handling ofthe call. Typically, exception table 1504 points to ANI table 1506.Although, exception table 1504 may point directly to trunk group table1502, called number table 1508, or routing table 1510.

ANI table 1506 is used to identify any special characteristics relatedto the caller's number. The callers number is commonly known asautomatic number identification (ANI). ANI table 1506 typically pointsto called number table 1508. Although, ANI table 1506 may point directlyto trunk group table 1502 or routing table 1510.

Called number table 1508 is used to identify routing requirements basedon the called number. This will be the case for standard telephonecalls. Called number table 1508 typically points to routing table 1510.Although, it may point to trunk group table 1502.

Routing table 1510 has information relating to the routing of the callfor the various connections. Routing table 1510 is entered from apointer in either exception table 1504, ANI table 1506, or called numbertable 1508. Routing table 1510 typically points to a trunk group intrunk group table 1502.

When exception table 1504, ANI table 1506, called number table 1508, orrouting table 1510 point to trunk group table 1502, they effectivelyselect the terminating trunk group. When the terminating connection isbeing processed, the trunk group number in trunk group table 1502 pointsto the trunk group that contains the applicable terminating connectionin trunk circuit table 1502.

The terminating trunk circuit is used to extend the call. The trunkcircuit is typically a VPI/VCI or a DS0. Thus it can be seen that bymigrating through the tables, a terminating connection can be selectedfor a call.

FIG. 16 is an overlay of FIG. 15. The tables from FIG. 15 are present,but for clarity, their pointers have been omitted. FIG. 16 illustratesadditional tables that can be accessed from the tables of FIG. 15. Theseinclude CCM ID table 1600, treatment table 1604, query/response table1606, and message table 1608.

CCM ID table 1600 contains various CCM SS7 point codes. It can beaccessed from trunk group table 1502, and it points back to trunk grouptable 1502.

Treatment table 1604 identifies various special actions to be taken inthe course of call processing. This will typically result in thetransmission of a release message (REL) and a cause value. Treatmenttable 1604 can be accessed from trunk circuit table 1500, trunk grouptable 1502, exception table 1504, ANI table 1506, called number table1508, routing table 1510, and query/response table 1606.

Query/response table 1606 has information used to invoke the SCF. It canbe accessed by trunk group table 1502, exception table 1504, ANI table1506, called number table 1508, and routing table 1510. It points totrunk group table 1502, exception table 1504, ANI table 1506, callednumber table 1508, routing table 1510, and treatment table 1604.

Message table 1608 is used to provide instructions for messages from thetermination side of the call. It can be accessed by trunk group table1502 and points to trunk group table 1502.

FIGS. 17-24 depict examples of the various tables described above. FIG.17 depicts an example of the trunk circuit table. Initially, the trunkcircuit table is used to access information about the originatingcircuit. Later in the processing, it is used to provide informationabout the terminating circuit. For originating circuit processing, theassociated point code is used to enter the table. This is the point codeof the switch or CCM associated with the originating circuit. Forterminating circuit processing, the trunk group number is used to enterthe table.

The table also contains the circuit identification code (CIC). The CICidentifies the circuit which is typically a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. Thus, theinvention is capable of mapping the SS7 CICs to the ATM VPI/VCI. If thecircuit is ATM, the virtual path (VP) and the virtual channel (VC) alsocan be used for identification. The group member number is a numericcode that is used for terminating circuit selection. The hardwareidentifier identifies the location of the hardware associated with theoriginating circuit. The echo canceler (EC) identification (ID) entryidentifies the echo canceler for the originating circuit.

The remaining fields are dynamic in that they are filled during callprocessing. The echo control entry is filled based on three fields insignaling messages: the echo suppresser indicator in the IAM or CRM, theecho control device indicator in the ACM or CPM, and the informationtransfer capability in the IAM. This information is used to determine ifecho control is required on the call. The satellite indicator is filledwith the satellite indicator in the IAM or CRM. It may be used to rejecta call if too many satellites are used. The circuit status indicates ifthe given circuit is idle, blocked, or not blocked. The circuit stateindicates the current state of the circuit, for example, active ortransient. The time/date indicates when the idle circuit went idle.

FIG. 18 depicts an example of the trunk group table. During originationprocessing, the trunk group number from the trunk circuit table is usedto key into the trunk table. Glare resolution indicates how a glaresituation is to be resolved. Glare is dual seizure of the same circuit.If the glare resolution entry is set to “even/odd,” the network elementwith the higher point code controls the even circuits, and the networkelement with the lower point code controls the odd circuits. If theglare resolution entry is set to “all,” the CCM controls all of thecircuits. If the glare resolution entry is set to “none,” the CCMyields. The continuity control entry lists the percent of callsrequiring continuity tests on the trunk group.

The common language location identifier (CLLI) entry is a Bellcorestandardized entry. The satellite trunk group entry indicates that thetrunk group uses a satellite. The satellite trunk group entry is used inconjunction with the satellite indicator field described above todetermine if the call has used too many satellite connections and,therefore, must be rejected. The service indicator indicates if theincoming message is from a CCM (ATM) or a switch (TDM). The outgoingmessage index (OMI) points to the message table so that outgoingmessages can obtain parameters. The associated number plan area (NPA)entry identifies the area code.

Selection sequence indicates the methodology that will be used to selecta connection. The selection sequence field designations tell the trunkgroup to select circuits based on the following: least idle, most idle,ascending, descending, clockwise, and counterclockwise. The hop counteris decremented from the IAM. If the hop counter is zero, the call isreleased. Automatic congestion control (ACC) active indicates whether ornot congestion control is active. If automatic congestion control isactive, the CCM may release the call. During termination processing, thenext function and index are used to enter the trunk circuit table.

FIG. 19 depicts an example of the exception table. The index is used asa pointer to enter the table. The carrier selection identification (ID)parameter indicates how the caller reached the network and is used forrouting certain types of calls. The following are used for this field:spare or no indication, selected carrier identification codepresubscribed and input by the calling party, selected carrieridentification code presubscribed and not input by the calling party,selected carrier identification code presubscribed and no indication ofinput by the calling party, and selected carrier identification code notpresubscribed and input by the calling party. The carrier identification(ID) indicates the network that the caller wants to use. This is used toroute calls directly to the desired network. The called party numbernature of address differentiates between 0+ calls, 1+ calls, test calls,and international calls. For example, international calls might berouted to a pre-selected international carrier.

The called party “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processingunique to a defined range of called numbers. The “digits from” field isa decimal number ranging from 1-15 digits. It can be any length and, iffilled with less than 15 digits, is filled with 0s for the remainingdigits. The “digits to” field is a decimal number ranging from 1-15digits. It can be any length and, if filled with less than 15 digits, isfilled with 9s for the remaining, digits. The next function and nextindex entries point to the next table which is typically the ANI table.

FIG. 20 depicts an example of the ANI table. The index is used to enterthe table. The calling party category differentiates among types ofcalling parties, for example, test calls, emergency calls, and ordinarycalls. The calling party/charge number entry nature of address indicateshow the ANI is to be obtained. The following is the table fill that isused in this field: unknown, unique subscriber numbers, ANI notavailable or not provided, unique national number, ANI of the calledparty included, ANI of the called party not included, ANI of the calledparty includes national number, non-unique subscriber number, non-uniquenational number, non-unique international number, test line test code,and all other parameter values.

The “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processing unique to ANIwithin a given range. The data entry indicates if the ANI represents adata device that does not need echo control. Originating lineinformation (OLI) differentiates among ordinary subscriber, multipartyline, ANI failure, station level rating, special operator handling,automatic identified outward dialing, coin or non-coin call usingdatabase access, 800/888 service call, coin, prison/inmate service,intercept (blank, trouble, and regular), operator handled call, outwardwide area telecommunications service, telecommunications relay service(TRS), cellular services, private paystation, and access for privatevirtual network types of service. The next function and next index pointto the next table which is typically the called number table.

FIG. 21 depicts an example of the called number table. The index is usedto enter the table. The called number nature of address entry indicatesthe type of dialed number, for example, national versus international.The “digits from” and “digits to” entries focus further processingunique to a range of called numbers. The processing follows theprocessing logic of the “digits from” and “digits to” fields in FIG. 9.The next function and next index point to the next table which istypically the routing table.

FIG. 22 depicts an example of the routing table. The index is used toenter the table. The transit network selection (TNS) networkidentification (ID) plan indicates the number of digits to use for theCIC. The transit network selection “digits from” and “digits to” fieldsdefine the range of numbers to identify an international carrier. Thecircuit code indicates the need for an operator on the call. The nextfunction and next index entries in the routing table are used toidentify a trunk group. The second and third next function/index entriesdefine alternate routes. The third next function entry can also pointback to another set of next functions in the routing table in order toexpand the number of alternate route choices. The only other entriesallowed are pointers to the treatment table. If the routing table pointsto the trunk group table, then the trunk group table typically points toa trunk circuit in the trunk circuit table. The yield from the trunkcircuit table is the terminating connection for the call.

It can be seen from FIGS. 17-22 that the tables can be configured andrelate to one another in such a way that call processes can enter thetrunk circuit table for the originating connection and can traversethrough the tables by keying on information and using pointers. Theyield of the tables is typically a terminating connection identified bythe trunk circuit table. In some cases, treatment is specified by thetreatment table instead of a connection. If, at any point during theprocessing, a trunk group can be selected, processing may proceeddirectly to the trunk group table for terminating circuit selection. Forexample, it may be desirable to route calls from a particular ANI over aparticular set of trunk groups. In this case, the ANI table would pointdirectly to the trunk group table, and the trunk group table would pointto the trunk circuit table for a terminating circuit. The default paththrough the tables is: trunk circuit, trunk group, exception, ANI,called number, routing, trunk group, and trunk circuit.

FIG. 23 depicts an example of the treatment table. Either the index orthe message received cause number are filled and are used to enter thetable. If the index is filled and used to enter the table, the generallocation, coding standard, and cause value indicator are used togenerate an SS7 REL. The message received cause value entry is the causevalue in a received SS7 message. If the message received cause value isfilled and used to enter the table, then the cause value from thatmessage is used in a REL from the CCM. The next function and next indexpoint to the next table.

FIG. 24 depicts an example of the message table. This table allows theCCM to alter information in outgoing messages. Message type is used toenter the table, and it represents the outgoing standard SS7 messagetype. The parameter is the pertinent parameter within the outgoing SS7message. The indexes point to various entries in the trunk group tableand determine if parameters can be unchanged, omitted, or modified inthe outgoing messages.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A telecommunications system that provides an interfacebetween a broadband system and an ISDN system for a telecommunicationscall, the telecommunications system comprising: a signaling processorthat is operational to process SS7 signaling, to select a broadbandconnection for the call, and to provide a control message thatidentifies the selected broadband connection and causes an ATMmultiplexer to convert the ISDN bearer communications into broadbandbearer communications; a signaling converter that is operational toconvert ISDN signaling into the SS7 signaling and to provide the SS7signaling to the signaling processor; the ATM multiplexer that isoperational to receive the ISDN signaling from the ISDN system and toprovide the ISDN signaling to the signaling converter, to receive theISDN bearer communications from the ISDN system and to receive thecontrol message from the signaling processor, to convert the ISDN bearercommunications into the broadband bearer communications in response toreceiving the control message, and to transmit the broadband bearercommunications to the broadband system on the selected broadbandconnection based on the control message; and a first link between theATM multiplexer and the signaling converter that is operational to carrythe ISDN signaling, a second link between the signaling converter andthe signaling processor that is operational to carry SS7 signaling, anda third link between the signaling processor and the ATM multiplexerthat is operational to carry the control messages.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the system provides an interface between the broadbandsystem and the ISDN system for another telecommunications call wherein:the signaling processor is further operational to process othersignaling from the broadband system for the other call, to select anISDN connection for the other call, to provide another control messagefor the other call that identifies the selected ISDN connection, and toprovide other SS7 signaling for the other call to the signalingconverter; the signaling converter is further operational to convert theother SS7 signaling into other ISDN signaling and to provide the otherISDN signaling to the ATM multiplexer; the ATM multiplexer is furtheroperational to provide the other ISDN signaling to the ISDN system, toreceive other broadband communications for the other call from thebroadband system, to receive the other control message from thesignaling processor, to convert the other broadband communications intoother ISDN communications, and to transmit the other ISDN communicationsto the ISDN system on the selected ISDN connection based on the othercontrol message.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the signalingprocessor is also operational to exchange Signaling System #7 (SS7)signaling with the broadband system.
 4. The system of claim 1 whereinthe broadband system is an ATM system.
 5. A telecommunications systemfor use between an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system and a ISDNsystem for telecommunications calls, the telecommunications systemcomprising: a signaling processing system that is operational to processcall signaling from the ISDN system and from the ATM system, to selectat least one of an ISDN connection and an ATM connection for each call,and to provide control messages that identify the selected connectionsand cause an ATM multiplexer to interwork bearer communications betweenthe ISDN system and the ATM system on the selected connections; and theATM multiplexer that is operational to exchange the call signalingbetween the ISDN system and the signaling processing system, to receivethe control messages from the signaling processing system, and tointerwork bearer communications between the ISDN system and the ATMsystem on the selected connections in response to receiving the controlmessages.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the signaling processingsystem is also operational to interwork the ISDN signaling and SignalingSystem #7 (SS7) signaling.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein thesignaling processing system is also operational to interwork ISDN set-upmessages and Signaling System #7 (SS7) Initial Address Messages (IAMs).8. The system of claim 5 wherein the signaling processing system is alsooperational to process a Signaling System #7 (SS7) Initial AddressMessage to select the ATM connection.
 9. The system of claim 5 whereinthe selected ATM connection is provisioned through an ATM cross-connectbefore the call.
 10. The system of claim 5 wherein the signalingprocessing system is also operational to process a Signaling System #7(SS7) Initial Address Message to select the ISDN connection.
 11. Thesystem of claim 5 wherein the ISDN connection is designated by a DS0.12. The system of claim 5 further comprising an ATM cross-connectcoupled to the ATM multiplexer.
 13. The system of claim 5 wherein thesignaling processing system is further operational to exchange SignalingSystem #7 (SS7) signaling with the ATM system.
 14. The system of claim 5wherein the ATM multiplexer is further operational to provide ringback.15. The system of claim 5 wherein the ATM multiplexer is furtheroperational to interwork between ISDN signaling and Signaling System #7(SS7) signaling.
 16. The system of claim 5 wherein the ATM multiplexeris further operational to interwork between communications and signalingfrom another system and ISDN bearer communications and ISDN signaling.17. The system of claim 5 further including at least one link betweenthe signaling processing system and the ATM multiplexer that isoperational to carry the ISDN signaling and the control messages.
 18. Atelecommunications system that interworks between an AsynchronousTransfer Mode (ATM) system and a ISDN for telecommunication calls, thetelecommunications system comprising: a signaling processor that isoperational to process SS7 signaling, to select at least one of an ISDNconnection and an ATM connection for each call, and to provide controlmessages that identify the selected connections and cause an ATMmultiplexer to interwork bearer communications between the ISDN systemand the ATM system on the selected connections; a signaling converterthat is operational to interwork ISDN signaling and SS7 signaling and toexchange SS7 signaling with the signaling processor; and an ATMmultiplexer that is operational to exchange ISDN signaling between theISDN system and the signaling converter, to receive the control messagesfrom the signaling processor, and to interwork bearer communicationsbetween the ISDN system and the ATM system on the selected connectionsin response to receiving the control messages.
 19. The system of claim18 further comprising a first link between the ATM multiplexer and thesignaling converter that is operational to carry the ISDN signaling, asecond link between the signaling converter and the signaling processorthat is operational to carry SS7 signaling, and a third link between thesignaling processor and the ATM multiplexer that is operational to carrythe control messages.
 20. A telecommunications system that interworksbetween an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system and anothercommunications system for telecommunications calls, thetelecommunication system comprising: an ISDN converter that isoperational to interwork between bearer communications and signalingfrom the other communications system and ISDN bearer communication andISDN signaling, a signaling processing system that is operational toprocess the ISDN signaling and signaling from the ATM system, to selectat least one of an ISDN connection and an ATM connection for each call,and to provide control messages that identify the selected connectionsand cause an ATM multiplexer to interwork the bearer communicationsbetween the ISDN converter and the ATM system on the selectedconnections; an ATM multiplexer that is operational to exchange the ISDNsignaling between the ISDN converter and the signaling processingsystem, to receive the control messages from the signaling processingsystem, and to interwork the bearer communications between the ISDNconverter and the ATM system on the selected connections in response toreceiving the control messages; at least one link between the ATMmultiplexer and the signaling processing system that is operational tocarry the ISDN signaling and the control messages, and at least oneconnection between the ISDN converter and the ATM multiplexer that isoperational to carry the ISDN bearer communications and the ISDNsignaling.
 21. A telecommunications system that interworks between anAsynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system and another communicationssystem for telecommunications call, the telecommunications systemcomprising: a signaling processor that is operational to process SS7signaling, to select at least one of an ISDN connection and an ATMconnection for each call, and to provide control messages that identifythe selected connections and cause an ATM multiplexer to interworkbearer communications between the ISDN converter and the ATM system onthe selected connections; an ISDN converter that is operational tointerwork the bearer communications and signaling from the othercommunications system with ISDN bearer communication and ISDN signaling;an SS7 converter that is operational to interwork the ISDN signaling andthe SS7 signaling and to exchange the SS7 signaling with the signalingprocessor; an ATM multiplexer that is operational to exchange the ISDNsignaling between the ISDN converter and the SS7 converter, to receivethe control messages from the signaling processor, and to interwork thebearer communications between the ISDN converter and the ATM system onthe selected connections in response to receiving the control messages;a linking means between the ATM multiplexer and the SS7 converter forcarrying the ISDN signaling, between the SS7 converter and the signalingprocessor for carrying the SS7 signaling, and between the signalingprocessor and the ATM multiplexer for carrying the control messages; anda connection between the ATM multiplexer and the ISDN converter that isoperational to carry the ISDN bearer communications and the ISDNsignaling.
 22. A telecommunications system for use between anAsynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system and a ISDN system fortelecommunications calls, the telecommunications system comprising: asignaling processing system that is operational to process callsignaling from the ISDN system and from the ATM system, to select atleast one of an ISDN connection and an ATM connection for each call, andto provide control messages that identify the selected connections andcause an ATM multiplexer to interwork bearer communications between theISDN system and the ATM system on the selected connections; and the ATMmultiplexer that is operational to exchange the call signaling betweenthe ISDN system and the signaling processing system, to receive thecontrol messages from the signaling processing system, to interworkbearer communications between the ISDN system and the ATM system on theselected connections in response to receiving the control messages, andto interconnect other incoming bearer communications from the ISDNsystem with other outgoing bearer communications to the ISDN systembased on the control messages.
 23. A method for operating atelecommunications system that interworks between an ISDN system and anAsyncronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system for telecommunications calls, themethod comprising: receiving ISDN signaling and ISDN bearercommunications into the telecommunications system; converting the ISDNsignaling into Signaling System #7 (SS7) signaling; processing the SS7signaling to select ATM connections; and interworking the ISDN bearercommunications with the selected ATM connections.
 24. The method ofclaim 23 further comprising: receiving SS7 signaling and ATMcommunications into the telecommunications system; processing the SS7signaling to select ISDN connections; and interworking the ATMcommunications with the selected ISDN connections.
 25. The method ofclaim 23 further comprising: receiving additional ISDN signaling andadditional ISDN bearer communications into the telecommunicationssystem; converting the additional ISDN signaling into additionalSignaling System #7 (SS7) signaling; processing the additional SS7signaling to select ISDN connections; and interconnecting the additionalISDN bearer communications with the selected ISDN connections.
 26. Amethod for operating a telecommunications system that interworks betweenan ISDN system and an Asyncronous Transfer Mode (ATM) system for atelecommunications calls from callers, the method comprising: receivingISDN set-up messages from the ISDN system into the telecommunicationssystem; converting the ISDN set-up messages into Signaling System #7(SS7) Initial Address Messages (IAMs); processing the SS7 IAMs to selectATM connections to the ATM system; receiving ISDN bearer communicationsfrom the ISDN system; interworking the ISDN bearer communications withthe selected ATM connections to the ATM system.
 27. The method of claim26 further comprising: receiving other SS7 IAMs from the ATM system intothe telecommunications system; processing the other SS7 IAMs to selectISDN connections; receiving ATM communications from the ATM system;interworking the ATM communications with the selected ISDN connections.28. The method of claim 26 further comprising: receiving additional ISDNset-up messages from the ISDN system into the telecommunications system;converting the additional ISDN set-up messages into additional SignalingSystem #7 (SS7) Initial Address Messages (IAMs); processing theadditional SS7 IAMs to select ISDN connections to the ISDN system;receiving ISDN bearer communications from the ISDN system;interconnecting the additional ISDN bearer communications with theselected ISDN connections to the ISDN system.
 29. A method for operatinga telecommunications system that interworks between an AsyncronousTransfer Mode (ATM) system and a non-ISDN system for telecommunicationscalls, the method comprising: receiving signaling and bearercommunications from the non-ISDN system into the telecommunicationssystem; converting the non-ISDN signaling and non-ISDN bearercommunications into ISDN signaling and ISDN bearer communications;converting the ISDN signaling into Signaling System #7 (SS7) signaling;processing the SS7 signaling to select ATM connections; and interworkingthe ISDN bearer communications with the selected ATM connections. 30.The method of claim 29 further comprising: receiving SS7 signaling andATM communications into the telecommunications system; processing theSS7 signaling to select ISDN connections; interworking the ATMcommunications with the selected ISDN connections; converting the ISDNbearer communications and the ISDN signaling from the ISDN connectioninto non-ISDN bearer communications and non-ISDN signaling.
 31. Themethod of claim 29 wherein the non-ISDN system is an Extended Superframe(ESF) system.
 32. The method of claim 29 wherein the non-ISDN system isa Superframe (SF) system.